Ex-Norman Wells mayor still wanted by RCMP

Nathan Watson, the embattled former mayor of Norman Wells – one of two ex-public servants at the centre of a $1.25 million lawsuit launched by the town – is still a wanted man in the Northwest Territories after a recent run in with the law south of the border.

In Edmonton on June 5, Watson was arrested and released on a promise to appear in court, Cheryl Voordenhout, a spokesperson for Edmonton Police Services, told News/North Wednesday. Voordenhout said the arrest was “unrelated to the matter RCMP was dealing with.”

In May, Watson was due to appear in a Yellowknife court to be sentenced on a drug possession charge – Norman RCMP found just over three grams of cocaine in his coat pocket following a traffic stop in October 2017 – but he failed to appear.

On the same day Watson failed to appear in court to be sentenced for his drug conviction, lawyers representing the Town of Norman Wells were waiting to serve the ex-mayor with notice of the lawsuit, which alleges fraud.

The lawsuit, filed against Watson, former senior administrative officer Catherine Mallon and Watson’s numbered company, alleges Mallon inappropriately used the town’s assets for her own personal use, pilfering over $1.25 million. Watson is alleged to have “participated in Mallon’s fraudulent scheme,” Norman Wells Mayor Frank Pope told News/North last month.

Watson is due to appear in an Edmonton court next month. It’s unclear what, if any, charges he faces.

As the Yellowknifer’s crime reporter, it’s my job to keep readers up to speed on all-things “cops and courts” related. From house fires and homicides to courtroom clashes, it’s my responsibility to be there - day or night, rain or shine. When I’m not at court gathering stories, I’m in the office, making calls to lawyers, emailing RCMP and tracking down sources. After hours, I rely on the public to let me know what’s happening and where. Entering my second winter in Yellowknife since leaving my hometown of Peterborough, Ont., in October 2017, everyday on this beat continues to be challenging, rewarding and fulfilling. Got a story? Call me at (867) 766-8288 or shoot me an email at editorial@nnsl.com.